Spooktacular
10/31/07
P: Today was an unusual day in the clinic for me. I started today with two patients, one I have treated before and a new patient. Then the patient I have treated many times cancelled, and I was going to co treated with a PT student on the other treatment because there was not a lot in the POC. Also the patient needed electrical stimulation that we have not learned yet. But I ended up treating another patient that I have treated several times before because the patient showed up early. The PT student ended up observing my treatment because the patient we were going to co treat didn’t show up.
I practiced lower extremity strengthening and stretching on the patient. I did a Thomas stretch and observed the 1st year student do a hamstring stretch. For strengthening exercises, I did knee extension, dorsi flexion, step ups on a 51/2 in block, lunges, side steps with mini squats, and donkey kicks.
O: Today I observed the 1st year student do a hamstring stretch on my patient. After my treatment while helping the 1st year with documentation, I was also observing another 2nd year student give her treatment. I observed her do step ups, stretching, and rocker board.
L: Today I learned the differences a patient with MS can have. My patient was having an off day today. He was very fatigued and it took a lot of effort for him to do some exercises. He was also having a hard time with his balance today. We just learned about MS in class, but I don’t think I truly understood what it was like during an exacerbation period until today.
The PT student also taught me an alternative way to perform DF strengthening with a gait belt.
K: I already knew how to do the stretches and exercises I did with the patient today because I have worked with this patient several times before.
A: I was happy and proud of myself that I was able to plan for a patient in a short amount of time and feel comfortable with the treatment. In addition, I wasn’t really nervous with having two people watch my treatment, the 1st year student and the PT student. Even though it helped I have worked with this patient before but, I feel it was an accomplishment. Although it was kind of a slow day in clinic because of all the cancellations, I was happy with the accomplishments.
Jeff said,
November 5, 2007 at 1:52 am
S: You are doing a good job in clinic with your pt’s and your 1st-years! You roll with things when the schedule changes and that shows a very good attitude!
O: You are right on track with all of your skills so I have no complaints there! The only thing that comes to mind is that it is my undertanding that you smoke. I have noticed a smoke smell at times in the documentation area. I don’t want to harp on you about it because I know you understand the health implications of it. However, please also consider how the odor may bother your pt’s and keep in mind that many health facilities are no longer allowing smoking on their premises and typically in PT you do not get breaks (usually only a lunch break) so you may want to consider quitting. Just some friendly thoughts.
S: Keep the great work in clinic! I appreciate your efforts.